Discover · The solution
US policy can help via CPC.
ICONS works through advocacy, coalition-building, and the rule of law, calling on the United States to return Nigeria to Country of Particular Concern status.
Religious freedom
What “Country of Particular Concern” means
Under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act, a Country of Particular Concern designation marks governments that engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.
“A designation turns evidence into pressure, diplomatic, economic, and moral.”
Diplomatic pressure
Puts a government on formal notice and elevates religious-freedom abuses in bilateral relations.
Targeted measures
Opens the door to sanctions, visa restrictions, and conditions on assistance, or a documented waiver.
Sustained scrutiny
Mandates ongoing review, keeping the violations on the public record year after year.
ICONS’ ask
Designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.
There was shock and disappointment when the U.S. removed Nigeria from the CPC list. As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria is crucial to the stability of West Africa, Europe, and the United States, and rising violence from Boko Haram and Fulani militants threatens that stability, and thousands of lives.
ICONS stands for religious freedom and the eradication of terrorism. We’re calling on the United States to restore Nigeria’s CPC status, enforcing global accountability and helping prevent a wider humanitarian crisis.
Why it matters
A strategic partner at a breaking point
Nigeria sits at the intersection of North and Sub-Saharan Africa. It’s one of the 25 most populous nations on earth and Africa’s largest economy, yet it also records the highest social hostilities around religion of any country.
Left unaddressed, the situation threatens Nigeria’s stability, risks reduced trade with global companies, and could trigger a mass influx of refugees fleeing the violence.
“We are especially displeased with the removal of Nigeria from its CPC designation, where it was rightfully placed last year. We urge the State Department to reconsider its designations based on facts presented in its own reporting.”
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